Ernesto Valverde to leave Athletic Club at season’s end | OneFootball

Ernesto Valverde will leave Athletic Club at the end of the season after confirming in a club video that he will not continue next term. His contract expires in June and he has chosen not to extend.

According to Superdeporte, Valverde said he had weighed the decision for some time and had already discussed it with the club.

Club president Jon Uriarte tried to renew him without success. It is an election year at Ibaigane if an opposition candidacy emerges, and he must now find a reliable successor. Several names have been floated, including Sarabia, Iraola, Iñigo Pérez and Bielsa, although there have been no official talks.

Valverde will remain in charge until the campaign ends. Athletic are out of every competition and, with safety virtually assured, a target set by Uriarte, they will push for a European place over the final 10 league games, with the Europa League or Conference League the realistic aim, while monitoring whether extra continental spots open up. He urged unity before Sunday’s meeting with Betis and said there was plenty still to play for.

The season has proved disappointing after early optimism. Valverde has drawn heavy criticism, particularly over the Supercopa and an early Champions League exit, and some of his selections were taken as a sign that the Champions League was not the priority. Injuries have also hindered him, with Laporte, Oihan Sancet and Nico Williams missing significant spells.

Source: Superdeporte